Councillors unanimously support to call for full inquiry into Creeslough explosion

Donegal County Council has given its full backing to calls for the Irish Government to establish an Independent Statutory Judicial Public Inquiry into the Creeslough explosion.

The horrific blast, on October 7, 2022, killed 10 people, aged between five and 59, and left the north Donegal village reeling from one of the worst atrocities to strike the county.

At Monday’s meeting of Donegal County Council, a motion by Independent Councillor Frank McBrearty Jnr was unanimously supported by elected representatives.

The motion, tabled to the November meeting at the County House in Lifford, sought that the newly formed government establish, within its first 100 days, a full Independent Statutory Judicial Public Inquiry with an open terms of reference into the explosion.

“This is the worst tragedy to hit Donegal this century,” Councillor McBrearty said. “Ten innocent people, ranging from five years old to 59 years old, lost their lives on that terrible day.

“Today we must put political and personal differences to one side and do so in the interest of these families and victims. We all lose people we love at some point, buy we never expect it be like what happened in Creeslough.”

Five-year-old Shauna Flanagan-Garwe and her father, Robert Garwe (50) lost their lives, as did Catherine O’Donnell (39) and her 13-year-old son, James Monaghan. Leona Harper, aged 14, and Jessica Gallagher (24) were killed along with shop assistant Martina Martin (49). James O’Flaherty (48), Martin McGill (49) and Hugh Kelly (59) were the other victims of the explosion at a commercial and residential complex.

On Monday, survivors Caroline Peoples and Christine Evans were present as Councillor McBrearty tabled the motion. Several family members of victims were also in attendance as was an apartment owner. 

Councillor McBrearty - who read out the names of each of the 10 victims - said that while there could be a view that public inquiries can go on too long, “this is the only way that these families will ever be able to get any justice worth talking about”.

He recalled being approached by the family of Leona Harper earlier this year and advising that an Independent Statutory Judicial Public Inquiry was their best route to obtain the full truth.

Councillor McBrearty said: “Why did this happen and who is to blame? Those are the two most important questions that must be answered by the State. Of course, there are many other questions that need answering and only a public inquiry can establish these.

“The truth and nothing but the truth is the only thing that will set these families free from their pain and suffering. The worst form of justice is pretend justice and that is why the elected members must support these families.”

The Raphoe-based representative vowed to continue to resubmit the motion until the inquiry was established. 

Pointing to his own experience with the establishment of then Morris Tribunal into Garda corruption in Donegal, he said such an inquiry could take place alongside criminal and civil cases that may also be heard.

Councillor Tomas Sean Devine of the 100% Redress party seconded the motion.

“It is unreal the tragedy that they have gone through,” he said.

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Fianna Fáil Councillor Ciaran Brogan said the journey the families are on will be a long one.

“Te one clear message from the families is that they want the truth,” Councillor Brogan said. “This is not political and it shouldn’t be political. This is about doing the right thing by the families. This is going to be something that will last for some time. This is a journey that won’t change for too many.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle said his party wished to send support and solidarity to the families.

He said: “I am sure Creeslough will take a long time to get over that and we need to continue to provide the necessary supports to them. This will be a lifelong trauma for the families involved and the people of Creeslough. We fully support and endorse the families’ request for a public inquiry.”

Councillors Martin Farren, Declan Meehan, Michael McBride, Jimmy Kavanagh, Michael McClafferty and Ali Farren all spoke in favour of the motion.

Councillor Ali Farren said: “It’s fairly simple: It needs to be done and it needs to be done ASAP.”

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Niamh Kennedy, said the motion had received “100% support” and that the Council is “here to support” the bereaved families.

Thanking his fellow elected members for supporting the motion, Councillor McBrearty added: “The word love is unbreakable, especially when it comes to family. That word, love, will make the families continue with their battle.”